small text medium text large text

eAudio FAQ

  1. What portable listening device should I buy?
  2. How do I know if my audio device is compatible?
  3. Can I transfer these books to my iPod? or
    I am having trouble downloading to my Mac/transferring to my iPod.
  4. How do I search for eAudio in the Library Catalog?
  5. How long does it take to download a book?
  6. What sound quality should I download?
  7. How do I return a book early?
  8. What are the differences between OverDrive and Recorded Books/NetLibrary?
  9. How do I bookmark using Windows Media Player?
  10. Where can I find more information?

  1. What portable listening device should I buy?

    There are lots of choices for purchasing your own portable listening device. If you are planning to use your device to enjoy our downloadable services, there are a couple of requirements to help narrow your choices.

    Any device you buy must:
    • support copy-protected Windows Media Audio (WMA) files or MP3 files
    • support a bit rate of 32kbps
    You may want to consider:
    • getting a device that allows bookmarking
    • getting a device that allows full time stamping (i.e. displays the complete play length of the book, some devices will only display a set number of hours)
    We recommend:
    • checking the OverDrive Device Resource Center for a list of known compatible and incompatible devices
    • choosing a device with a minimum storage capacity of 256MB
    • consulting the consumer research for ratings on various players (visit any of our library locations for help with your research)
     
  2. How do I know if my audio device is compatible?

    OverDrive offers a Device Resource Center (http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/) listing all known compatible and incompatible devices. Unfortunately not all devices with the "Plays for Sure" logo are compatible. If your device is not on the OverDrive list, that doesn't mean that it won't work, as the list is a work in progress.

     
  3. Can I transfer these books to my iPod? or
    I am having trouble downloading to my Mac/transferring to my iPod. or
    Why does the Library offer a service that is not compatible with Macs?

    OverDrive offers a collection of MP3 titles that are compatible with iPod, iPhone and virtually any MP3 player. If you are using a Mac, you will need to install OverDrive Media Console for Mac by clicking the Mac button and then the download button.

    NetLibrary also offers a collection of iPod compatible titles.

     
  4. How do I search for eAudio in the Library Catalog?

    You can search for all available eAudio by doing an advanced keyword search in the Library Catalog. Just put an asterisk (*) in the search box, limit it to the material type eAudio, and make sure the search is set for ANY libraries. Please note that new titles may appear on the websites slightly before the catalog records are in the Catalog.

     
  5. How long does it take to download a book?

    The time will vary based on the length of the book and the speed of your internet connection. The average eAudiobook file size is 140MB (about 10 hours long) and takes about 12 minutes to download via cable modem.

     
  6. What sound quality should I download?
  7. This depends on the speed of your internet connection and your personal taste. However, if you are going to transfer and listen to an eAudiobook on a portable device you must download the CD quality file.

     
  8. How do I return a book early?
  9. eAudio titles expire automatically and cannot be returned early.

     
  10. What are the differences between OverDrive and Recorded Books/NetLibrary?

      OverDrive NetLibrary / Recorded Books
    Creating an Account Create your account using your library card number. Each time you login you will enter your card number. Your card must be in good standing to use the service. You will be prompted to enter your library card number at our authentication page. After entering your number, click on the "Create a Free Account" link in the upper right corner.
    How to access Through the catalog or from this Overdrive link Through the catalog or from this Netlibrary link
    Content Currently over 700 audio and over 700 video titles, both fiction and nonfiction, entertainment and informational. More titles will be added regularly. Over 1,000 titles, with 30-50 titles added each month. Fiction, nonfiction, Pimsleur Language Program, Holy Bible.
    Burn to CD/DVD? Most audio book titles can be burned to CD. Video titles cannot be burned to DVD. No
    Mac/iPod compatible? Only MP3 titles are Mac/iPod compatible. Only MP3 titles are Mac/iPod compatible.
    Loan Limit 10 titles 10 titles
    Loan Period 21 days (audio), 7 days (video). 21 days
    Software Requirements? Yes. You must download the free OverDrive Media Console to listen, transfer, and burn titles. Mac users will need to download OverDrive Media Console for Mac. This is a quick process that is explained more fully on the OverDrive site.

    OverDrive Media Console

    No. You just need Windows Media Player version 9 or higher. If you have a lower version, you will need to download an upgrade if your PC can support it.

    Windows Media Player



     
  11. How do I bookmark using Windows Media Player?

    Windows Media Player does not offer bookmarking, but you can utilize the "file marker" tool. Some digital media files contain markers, which are like tracks on a CD. When you select a marker from a list, the Player begins playing the section of the file associated with that marker. This won't place you at the exact spot that you left off, but it will get you close. You can then use the fast forward or rewind buttons to locate your spot. To access the file marker tool, open the application menus (the small down arrow in the upper right corner of Windows Media Player), select the View menu, point to File Markers, and then click a marker to play from that point.

     
  12. Where can I find more information?

    OverDrive - Look through the information in the yellow Getting Started box at the top of the OverDrive page.

    NetLibrary/Recorded Books - Try the Audiobooks Center Tips link at the top right of the NetLibrary page, or the Help tab along the top left. You will be able to access these once you enter your library card number for authentication. For additional assistance, contact NetLibrary 24 hour tech support 1-800-848-5800.

    You can also contact your library for more information.